Loud snoring disrupts sleep for everyone in the house. But snoring can indicate a more serious problem than just noise — it’s often a sign of sleep apnea.
At our Brooklyn, New York, office, Steven D. Kushnick, MD, evaluates snoring and breathing patterns to determine if sleep apnea is the underlying cause. Proper treatment doesn’t just improve your partner’s sleep quality, it also protects their health.
The most common type of sleep apnea — obstructive sleep apnea — happens when the airway becomes blocked during sleep. Soft tissues in the throat relax and collapse, preventing air from reaching the lungs.
The body responds by waking up just enough to restart breathing, sometimes up to 300 times per night. These breathing interruptions last anywhere from a few seconds to over a minute. The brain doesn’t get enough oxygen during these episodes, which triggers a stress response and strains the cardiovascular system.
Most people with sleep apnea don’t remember waking up. They think they slept through the night, even if they wake up feeling tired because their body and brain never got the deep sleep required to fully restore and recharge them.
Snoring alone doesn’t always mean sleep apnea, but certain patterns indicate breathing problems that need evaluation.
If the snoring stops suddenly, followed by choking or gasping sounds, that pattern suggests airway blockage. These pauses happen because breathing has actually stopped, not just quieted down.
People with sleep apnea wake up feeling unrested despite spending enough time in bed. They might fall asleep during quiet activities or struggle to stay alert while driving.
Repeated drops in oxygen levels during the night can cause morning headaches. These usually fade within a few hours of waking.
Poor sleep quality affects cognitive function and emotional regulation. People with sleep apnea might seem more irritable, forgetful, or unable to focus on tasks that normally wouldn’t be difficult.
Sleep apnea doesn’t just cause fatigue and irritability. The repeated oxygen drops and sleep disruptions put stress on multiple body systems.
The condition increases the risk of high blood pressure because the body releases stress hormones each time breathing stops. Over time, this contributes to cardiovascular problems including:
People with untreated sleep apnea also face higher rates of Type 2 diabetes, as poor sleep affects how the body processes insulin and regulates blood sugar.
Dr. Kushnick evaluates sleep apnea through testing that measures breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and sleep quality. Treatment recommendations depend on how often breathing stops and how severely it affects health.
Weight loss can reduce sleep apnea symptoms in some people, as excess weight contributes to airway blockage. Sleeping on your side instead of your back also helps keep airways open.
Avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed prevents additional relaxation of throat muscles that worsen airway collapse.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines deliver steady, gentle air pressure through a mask worn during sleep. This keeps the airway open and prevents collapse.
CPAP therapy effectively treats sleep apnea when used consistently. Most people notice improvement in energy levels and daytime alertness within the first few weeks.
Custom-fitted oral devices reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep. These work well for some people with mild to moderate sleep apnea who can’t tolerate CPAP therapy.
Surgery may be recommended when anatomical issues contribute to airway blockage. These include:
Dr. Kushnick evaluates whether surgical intervention would improve breathing and sleep quality.
Sleep apnea affects both the person with the condition as well as anyone trying to sleep nearby. Proper evaluation helps identify the severity of nighttime breathing problems, so Dr. Kushnick can determine which treatment approach will work best.
Call our Brooklyn, New York, office at 718-250-8520 today, or use our online booking tool to schedule a sleep apnea evaluation at your convenience.
